SHELBY — More than 3,000 linear feet of new sidewalk is planned to be installed along Shelby Avenue.
The goal is to increase safety for Shelby City Schools’ students who walk or bike to school, while also promoting a healthy and active lifestyle through the alternative forms of transportation.
On Tuesday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation announced a $7.6 million investment in infrastructure and education to improve safety for students in kindergarten through grade 12 who walk or bike to school.
Funding — made available through ODOT’s Safe Routes to School program — was awarded to 24 projects across the state, including $609,000 to the City of Shelby.
Back in March, Shelby City Council voted in favor of authorizing Mayor Steve Schag to apply for SRTS infrastructure funding.
According to Tuesday’s release, Shelby’s project includes the installation of a new sidewalk on Shelby Avenue from West Smiley Avenue to State Street, as well as a rapid flashing beacon on West Smiley at Post Street — which is the main crossing for school children.
Shelby Project Coordinator Joe Gies said the SRTS award will fully fund the project, which will likely begin during the summer of 2027, he said.
Shelby mayor reacts to good news
Schag said Wednesday morning that the award is good news for the citizens of Shelby and the city’s school system.
“This project will enable and encourage children to walk to school,” the mayor said.
“It will also make bicycling and walking a much safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age.
“I want to extend my thanks to all those who were involved in the entire grant application process. It really was a team effort by so many city and school officials. We are grateful to ODOT for recognizing the need (for) this important project,” Schag said.
$90 million awarded since Safe Routes to School inception
Safe Routes to School aids communities in building and improving transportation infrastructure around schools like sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes and traffic-calming features.
“These are more than just transportation projects, they are investments in the health, safety, and future of our children,” DeWine said. “These funds will help ensure more Ohio students have safe, accessible options to get to school.”
This year’s 24 awarded projects include right-of-way acquisition, design, and construction between state fiscal years 2026 and 2028, as well as non-infrastructure activities like school travel plans, public education, and safety campaigns in fiscal year 2026, according to the release.
Since its inception in 2005, ODOT’s Safe Routes to School program has awarded approximately $90 million to schools, municipalities, health districts, park districts, and non-profit organizations working to improve student safety and promote active transportation.
“Walking or biking to school is a simple yet powerful way to promote healthier kids, safer neighborhoods, and more connected communities,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn.
“Safe Routes to School is a key part of ODOT’s broader commitment to active transportation, helping communities thrive by supporting safer streets and encouraging daily physical activity among our youngest citizens,” Boratyn said.